The effect of a met-enkephalin analogue on growth hormone, prolactin, gonadotropins, cortisol and thyroid stimulating hormone in healthy elderly men.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the guanyl derivative of the opioid analogue D-ala2,MePhe4-Met-enkephalin-(o)-ol (G-DAMME) on pituitary secretion in healthy elderly men. Nine healthy elderly men (65-88 years) and 10 young adults (20-30 years) were studied. GH, PRL, gonadotropins, cortisol (to evaluate the effect on ACTH) and TSH were measured after G-DAMME (0.25 mg iv) or placebo administration. In elderly men, the GH response to G-DAMME was reduced or absent, while prompt GH release was found in all young men. G-DAMME lowered LH levels in young men but not in elderly men. No significant variations in FSH levels after G-DAMME and placebo were noted in either group of subjects. A similar and significant rise in PRL and TSH, and a fall in cortisol, after G-DAMME was observed in both elderly and young adults. We have demonstrated that the sensitivity to opioid modulation by G-DAMME on PRL, TSH and cortisol secretion is unchanged with aging. On the other hand, the data indicate that LH and GH responsiveness to G-DAMME change with age.